It’s obvious, that Nehemiah was a passionate man. He could not have risen to such an exalted position unless he had been dedicated and passionate about his service to the king.
But now, with a new purpose in his heart, he wanted – and needed – to focus his passion on one thing, on a new and more worthy passion – on rebuilding Jerusalem, the city of God. He spent months and months planning what was needed, planning on what to say, planning on what to ask for. Yet, he chose to harness his emotions and wait and pray patiently for God’s timing. He didn’t try to break down any doors. He didn’t try to push himself into the king’s presence. He didn’t try to rush the process by manipulation. But once God opened the door and created the opportunity, Nehemiah was thoroughly prepared to unveil his perfected plans with genuine passion and forceful and powerful persuasion.
How are you at balancing your passion while waiting on God’s sovereign timing? How do you handle your great idea, dream, or noble cause with grace and patience, when you’ve done your homework, done your planning, and are eager to persuade others to get on board?
Follow Nehemiah’s example. Temper your passion with an absolute confidence in God’s ability to produce the desired outcome… in His time.
“Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14)
Read From Jim’s Heart… Waiting on the Lord on Elizabeth & Jim George.